If you adore crispy, flavorful potatoes but want a fuss-free approach that cooks them perfectly every time, this Air Fryer Baby Potatoes Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These little gems come out beautifully golden, tender on the inside, and spiced just right with simple seasonings that highlight their natural sweetness. They’re quick, satisfying, and perfect for turning an everyday side dish into something memorable without breaking a sweat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love about this Air Fryer Baby Potatoes Recipe is how it relies on a handful of ingredients that you probably already have on hand, yet each one plays a special role in making the dish pop with flavor, texture, and color.
- Baby potatoes (1.5 pounds): Their small size ensures quick cooking and a perfectly tender inside with a slight crisp on the outside.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): This helps the potatoes crisp up beautifully and adds a lovely, subtle richness.
- Kosher salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for enhancing the natural potato flavor without overpowering.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a warm, savory depth that makes every bite irresistible.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Rounds out the spices with a gentle sweetness and a touch of sharpness.
How to Make Air Fryer Baby Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Before anything else, get your air fryer warmed up to 390º F by running it empty for about three minutes. This step is key because it ensures the potatoes start cooking instantly once inside, leading to a crisp outer layer and soft center that’s hard to beat.
Step 2: Season the Potatoes
While the air fryer does its thing, toss your baby potatoes with olive oil, kosher salt, garlic powder, and onion powder in a large bowl. Make sure every potato gets a nice even coating — this not only helps with flavor but also aids in achieving a gorgeous golden crust as they cook.
Step 3: Cook to Perfection
Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket and set the timer for 20 minutes at 390º F. To get that perfectly crisp texture all around, shake the basket every 4-5 minutes. This ensures each potato cooks evenly and gives you that trademark crispy finish without any fuss.
Step 4: Serve Immediately
Once the timer goes off, promptly take the potatoes out and get them on the table. Eating them right away means you enjoy them at their peak of crispness and flavor — trust me, these hot little bites fly off the plate!
How to Serve Air Fryer Baby Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate this dish to new heights. A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, a dash of grated Parmesan, or even a light drizzle of lemon juice can add brightness and a touch of freshness that complements the crispy, savory potatoes perfectly.
Side Dishes
These baby potatoes make a fantastic side for almost anything — roast chicken, grilled steak, or even a vibrant veggie stir-fry. Their versatility means they can seamlessly join casual weeknight dinners or more elegant weekend meals effortlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving these potatoes skewer-style for a fun appetizer twist or toss them into a warm salad with arugula, feta cheese, and a tangy vinaigrette for a dish that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious. The Air Fryer Baby Potatoes Recipe can adapt to fit your mood and occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which might be tough!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping them sealed well helps retain moisture without making them soggy.
Freezing
While freezing cooked baby potatoes isn’t generally recommended because it can affect texture, you can freeze the seasoned uncooked potatoes. When ready, simply thaw and cook in the air fryer as directed for fresh-from-scratch results.
Reheating
The best way to bring leftover potatoes back to life is by popping them back in the air fryer for a few minutes at 350º F. This refreshes their crispiness without drying them out, far better than microwaving, which tends to make them rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?
You can, but the cooking time will increase significantly as larger potatoes need more heat and time to become tender inside. Baby potatoes are a dream for this recipe because of their size and quick cook time.
Do I need to wash the baby potatoes before cooking?
Absolutely. Even if they’re pre-washed, giving them a quick rinse removes any dirt or debris and helps the seasonings stick better to the skin.
Can I add other seasonings to this Air Fryer Baby Potatoes Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with herbs like rosemary or thyme, spices like smoked paprika, or even a pinch of chili powder if you want a little heat.
How do I know when the potatoes are done?
They should be golden brown and crisp on the outside and tender when pierced with a fork. The shaking every few minutes ensures even cooking and helps you get that perfect texture.
Is air frying healthier than traditional frying?
Yes, air frying uses significantly less oil while still giving you that satisfying crunchy texture, making it a healthier option without sacrificing flavor or crispiness.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Baby Potatoes Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to dishes for its simplicity, speed, and, most importantly, its amazing taste. Whether you’re serving them as a side, snack, or part of a cozy meal, these potatoes bring comfort and joy to the table with minimal effort. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Print
Air Fryer Baby Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Baby Potatoes, perfectly seasoned with garlic and onion powder. These golden potatoes are quick to prepare and make a delicious side dish that pairs well with any meal. Cooked in the air fryer for a tender inside and crispy outside texture without extra oil.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 390º F (200º C) by running it for at least 3 minutes. This ensures the basket is hot and ready for even cooking.
- Season the Potatoes: In a large bowl, combine the baby potatoes with olive oil, kosher salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Toss well to make sure each potato is coated evenly with the seasoning and oil.
- Air Fry the Potatoes: Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 390º F for 20 minutes. Shake the basket every 4-5 minutes to promote even browning and crispiness on all sides.
- Serve Immediately: Once cooked through and crispy, promptly remove the potatoes from the air fryer basket. Serve hot as a tasty side dish or appetizer.
Notes
- Shaking the basket regularly ensures even cooking and prevents the potatoes from sticking together.
- If your baby potatoes are larger, consider cutting them in half for faster cooking and crispier texture.
- You can customize the seasoning by adding herbs like rosemary, thyme, or paprika for extra flavor.
- Be careful when removing the potatoes from the air fryer as they will be very hot.
